Why blog?: I started this blog to document my life with the help of photos, memories, things to remember. Once I became so entirely in love with fashion (it was always there, just never prevalent) it kind of overtook my blog. Now I just want this blog to be a combination of who I am, things I adore, fashion I love, memories, family recipes and adventures. I feel like this blog will have many stages. When I started, it was simply "what I did this weekend", now it's a "this is what I'm wearing everyday" and soon I'm sure it'll be "this is what my kids are up to" and when they graduate and I retire it'll be a "this is my retirement journal". You know? I want this blog to just reflect my daily life... and it's my favorite thing to look back on and it'll be so much fun when I'm even older to look back on my youth.

I use a lot of photographs. I am more of a "visual" person and I want my readers to see what I see on a day-to-day basis. I think using photos in this will help them learn more "about me".

I'm married to honestly the best person I've ever met in my entire life. Hands down. I met him when I was seventeen years old. He played in a band called The Potentials and was their drummer. As a teenager, of course, I lurked his every move on xanga and went to their shows just to see him play drums. I remember he'd be leaning against their band van with his tight jeans, black t-shirt, chucks and long hair. I could have died right then and there. If I would have known that he would be my husband, oh boy. I would have fainted. We were friends, but then truly met up again when I was 19 years old. We started dating, fell in love immediately, were engaged 6 months later and married 8 months after that. I was 21, he was 22 on August 12, 2007. I think some people thought we were crazy and we probably were, but it has been the best life decision I've ever made for myself. We have so much fun together, we are so exact on every level, talk about everything, act like children together and someday we'll be truly fun and adventurous parents. I couldn't have picked a better life partner and I love him more than life itself. And I always will. Plus... could he be any more adorable? I think not! I still drive home fast just to see him and get butterflies when he looks at me, even after 2 1/2 years of marriage, 3 1/2 years of being together. It'll never go away.

I grew up on Lake Michigan, I love Lake Michigan. It's a fresh-water ocean. All my life, I had the luxury of the beach, the beauty, the smell of a beach town. The lake effect, the winters, the summers. It's been a beautiful and wonderful experience living here and I want the same for my children someday. People don't give Michigan the credit it truly deserves. I'm currently living in Grand Haven right now. This is also where Brett grew up and this entire town just reminds me of him and our life together, so I adore it here. It's also right on the lake, tourism is way extravagant here, our beaches are insanely amazing, summers here are like living in the movies.

I went to college in Michigan's 2nd largest city, Grand Rapids. I couldn't wait to leave to go to school here. It's only 30 minutes from us, but just living in this town has been some of the best times of my life. It's gorgeous. There is an amazing punk rock scene here and just downright amazing kids. I'm (still) attending Kendall College of Art & Design which is located right smack dab in the middle of the city. Downtown is my "campus", my wrecking grounds. I love this city so entirely much. This place is more my home than any other city in the world; I know every crack in the sidewalks.

Punk rock has made my life. I started going to shows when I was 14 years old. Now I'm 23 and Brett and I still go to shows. Some of my favorite bands 10 years ago are still some of my favorite bands today. Growing up in Muskegon was kind of a drag sometimes, but the scene there growing up was the best. I couldn't have asked for more. I made some amazing friends, all of my greatest teenage memories and met my husband through my love for music and our community. Brett is in a band, Tall Ships, and it started when we were engaged and they had their first show right after we got back from our honeymoon. It has been one of the best experiences of our lives. Going to shows, seeing Brett up there doing what he is most passionate about. He's a drummer, but he's the vocalist of this band.. and he's amazing. We've made so many friends through this, have traveled a little bit around Michigan, have had some insanely great times. I've even filled in for Brett at some points! It's called Tieka Ships ;) Seriously. Amazing memories because of this.

Other FAQ's? Just ask! I know I didn't address much fashion Q's here, but there's not much to say that I don't provide on a day-to-day basis. My style depends on the weather (especially living in a moody weather state!) and I feel like I like to reflect the outdoors. I love feminine clothes, florals, stripes, polka dots, mixing patterns and textures. I buy way too many jackets. I honestly get most of my inspiration from people I see on the street or from girls that I lurk their blogs. Real street style is most inspirational and I think that's why blogging is so huge. Sometimes its hard for the average girl to see a runway show and walk away with something she can wear in the "real world". That is why I adore blogging and the girls who have true style without being rich. My dream style is to just be this rocker chick with feminine features and can pull off grunge amazingly, but most of the time I'm an earthy, florals, feminine, nature girl. I'd love to say someday I'll be good at both.

ArtPrize is absolutely wonderful. Seriously. What is it, you ask? It's the largest art prize in the world. Artists from all over the world are flocking to Grand Rapids to display their art to win the grand prize of $250,000 (or other huge money prizes!) There is no one judge; you are the judge. Everyone can sign up online or at the library to vote for their favorites (thumbs up or down). It's going on from September 23 to October 10. Grand Rapids right now is a changed city. There are people at the cross paths, people in the restaurants, lines out the door at the coffee shops, people everywhere. It feels like an actual city, not a ghost town. It's so insane! And amazing. Seriously I've never been more proud of Grand Rapids for putting on something so great. I'm so proud to go to an art college downtown, and see all the art that is being displayed in our city. Amazing.

(on the walk there)

(some art being displayed on the side of a building)

We went inside the old art museum (across the street from Kendall), and it was open to the public for a ton of ArtPrize entries. So, so, so many pieces. Honestly. These metal sticks moved and swayed. If you stood in front of them with the painting in the background, it was like beach grass swaying in the wind. Seriously; where do people come up with this stuff?!

(beach grass/lake painting)

Kendall has so much amazing work being displayed there. If they don't leave this bike stand up permanently, I'll seriously be mad because it's so fun and functional!

(new bike stand at KCAD!)

(quick snapshot of brett and i in the streets of downtown)

On Monroe Center, there were tons of businesses open, so you could go inside and view their work. It was so awesome to go inside some buildings I've never been in before. Grand Rapids is a hidden gem in this world. So many venues, businesses and art spots were stunning.

(this art was being displayed inside a bank!)

We went outside The Bob which is a hoppin' bar and restaurant. There was this huge piece of art where you can take part. There was a sign saying "share your dream" with pens available. Brett and I took a moment to share our dream.

(could he be more perfect of a husband?)

We proceeded to walk along the blue bridge crossing Grand River. There is a huge table and chairs on top of the bridge, and then you heard lochness monster sounds coming from huge speakers under the bridge; then there she was. Nessie; the lochness sea monster. It was my FAVORITE. They seriously need to build Nessie permanently in the Grand River, because this was just awesome! I stared at it for like a good 10 minutes just in awe. Brett and I absolutely loved it.

(nessie!)

(me in front of nessie!)

(brett in front of nessie!)

As it started to get dark, we walked through the Gerald Ford museum, lots of art being displayed in and around the museum. Also explored the Amway Grand Hotel (so fancy pants!) and all of the art there. Art, art, art, art everywhere in every venue!

(our amazing city)

Seriously? Perfection. I'm praying to God this is annual. Plans are in progress to do the event again in 2010, which is amazing. I plan on being here; I pray I can find a job here.Grand Rapids is on the up and up, and it's perfect.What a great little city in a great state. I hope we become the art capital of the world.. well you know, besides Paris ;) It drew so many people from everywhere, to our little city in Michigan, and brought so much money and value to the area. All of the businesses are packed, people on the streets, having an amazing time. Love, love, love it.

Monday, September 28, 2009

It has been insane weather in Michigan as of late! Intense winds, massive downpours! I got out of class today and had to run through the empty streets of downtown Grand Rapids in the pouring rain! I was a drowned rat by the time I reached my vehicle and found an amazing yellow parking ticket for parking within 3 ft of a curb. Ugh, are they serious? I got home, we quickly snapped these shots in between major winds and my shirt blowing up. I was finally able to break out my new leather jacket. I'm in love with it. It's so comfy and has a huge collar so I can bundle up inside of it when it's cold.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Autumn began this week and it has been amazing. This is absolutely my favorite season of the year. It has been gorgeous so far too, still pretty warm, lovely winds, leaves falling and changing color, and the general golden atmosphere is beautiful. I've been so consumed with classes and fashion, that we haven't gotten a chance to do anything fall-festivity related yet, but we have plenty of time.

(fallen leaves)

Today, Brett and I took a little walk around our place. It was such a great day today; 64 degrees and sunshine. We also got some "throwing leaves" photographs! Earlier, we went out to lunch with Brett's parents, and went to the hardware store to get our new kitchen floor! Then we walked around the antique mall and got groceries.

(me)

(brett)

There are so many things I cannot wait to do this fall. Go to robinette's cider mill, eat a caramel apple, drink hot apple cider, bake pumpkin spice cookies, put in our new kitchen flooring, spend an entire day with jen, go to chicago for the weekend, shop at ragstock, explore a corn maze, take a (haunted) hay-ride, visit a cemetery, see a detroit tiger's baseball game, visit royal oak, go to ikea!, pick out pumpkins from green acres, carve pumpkins, buy halloween candy, spend hours in halloween usa, pick out costumes, pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters, eat pumpkin pie, drink a million more soy pumpkin spice lattes, take a walk in the woods, explore vintage stores, take a million photographs, spend time with friends, take a walk downtown grand rapids, watch halloween movies, wear my leather jacket, scarves and heels. Love, love, love autumn time.

The perfect autumn day is today. 64 degrees, warm wind, sunshine, leaves falling. It's beautiful outside. I'm so excited for this season. I love fall fashion. Tights, skirts, cardigans, and pretty soon I'll be able to bring out my new jacket. I absolutely love this new skirt I just got. It's so versatile and can be worn dressed up, down, with anything you choose. And it's so, so, so super comfortable.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

On my all - day shopping expedition in East Lansing, I got so many wonderful "staple" items that I can work into almost any outfit I pick from my closet. We don't have cute stores like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters in our town, so it's such a treat to go to those stores. I got this dress from AA today and another skirt I've been wanting. I was on the lookout for opaque polka-dot tights, but couldn't find a single pair of them! I'll search Chicago in two weeks when I go. I spotted a pair of black wedge heels I wanted so bad from DSW, but they were a little out of my price range so we searched the town, but I couldn't find a pair of shoes to compare so we back back and I splurged on these! I adore them to death; they really comfy too, considering that amazing heel! Now I'm home, eating Jujyfruits and catching up on Bloglovin' posts and tweets.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Friday, I drove out to East Lansing to spend the night with Andrea! She got me into this event, which I had no idea what to expect. It was seriously a blast; it was a social networking event, where these speakers all competed to win the audience's vote, and they had five minutes to give a presentation on whatever topic. I loved listening to each person talk about food photography, cash for clunkers, the food we eat, how to survive wedding planning, how to overcome hurdles in a wheelchair, etc.

(can you spot us?!)

There were even a few presentations about creativity and the new creative class that was so interesting! I definitely enjoyed myself and got to see Andrea in action; she looked so at ease taking photos and working. She's truly an inspiration. I also got to meet some super nice people. Tom, being one of the speakers, sat by me and kept me entertained while Andrea ran around!

(me! and that's tom sitting behind me)

Afterwards, I went to Andrea's apartment to stay the night. We stayed up until like 4 am chatting all night long. It was such a blast; I don't remember the last time I did that. She is such an amazing friend and person to talk to. I have such a hard time connecting with girls,

and I love her to death. She makes me feel so great. You just cannot say that about most girl friends, and she's always just been such a great friend and I absolutely love her to pieces. She is amazing. Her apartment was stunning. Seriously. I was in awe. I loved being at her place. It is just so amazing there.

Saturday, we woke up and went on a shopping spree. Went to American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, ate at Potbelly's right downtown and then drove out to the outlet mall and looked around for a while. Then we went out to Meridian Mall + looked around. Got a ton of walking and shopping in! I hadn't gone on an all day shopping expedition like that in such a long time and it was such a good time. I also got a soy pumpkin spice latte that was delicious and I splurged on a dress, new skirt, wedge heels + tights. Love that town and that girl.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

I'm pretty sure plaid sums up autumn-time. Everybody brings out heir plaid for this season, plus every store you go into right now has plaid. I also had to bring out my knit tights. They were stuffed in the back of my sock drawer. Super excited to start bringing more out more fall and winter items. I am going to East Lansing tomorrow to see Andrea, and cannot wait to go shopping! I already know exactly what I want and can't wait for more posts! Weee!

(dress - target | knit tights - gap

shoes - urban outfitters | belt - f21)

This last photo is my husband, Brett! I can't believe he let me take a fashion shot! Teehee! He is seriously such a good sport. He takes photos of me all the time, and he never complains about it. Well... maybe once in a while, but it's so cute. He's the best. ps; He's wearing cut-off jean shorts, Van's authentics and a plaid shirt. He is so stylish!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I bought these tights for a holiday party a few years ago; and it's the only time I've ever worn them before. I'm usually dress in black, white, gray or white with maybe one more neutral accent color, but red is slowly becoming my favorite color to add in to outfits, which is an unusual color for me! It must have started with the red lips as of late. I'm in absolute love with red lips. They're so classic.

Monday, September 21, 2009

I thought I'd wear my only yellowish item I own to celebrate the "last day of summer". Usually, I tend to stick to the more neutral colors, but sometimes I like to add in a bright color here or there. Mostly greens or yellows though. I'm almost always stuck in black; have been ever since I was fourteen years old. It's just my favorite shade to wear. It makes you look thin and chic all in one! But yes, summer is done. Bring on fall!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

This morning, I woke up and headed to Lakeside to my Mom's gift shoppe, The Village Gift Shoppe, to help with her sale! We had to set everything outside because it was a sidewalk sale. It was actually a great turnout; made the day go by really fast! I stayed inside mostly, drank a lot of hazelnut mocha coffee, and helped her with wrapping gifts + ringing up customers. I also set up a few new items of hers for fall + halloween. There was a golden sunlight coming through the windows, and it was around sixty degrees outside today, so it just felt so fall. I'm so excited fall starts on Tuesday. It's definitely my favorite season + and I'm going to live up every second of it. After a while, I left to go visit Dad + Shar for a second, and ran home to pick up Brett so he could come help pack up. We packed everything back into boxes and closed up shop! What a wonderful day for a sale outside; gorgeous weather.

(my adorable, stylish mom)

(autumn merchandise!)

Afterwards, Brett and I ate dinner at Russ' and went to Target. I bought a new shirt + we went to the Lakes mall to look around. What a dump. I don't know how people in Muskegon shop. They must have to drive to Grand Rapids every time. Seriously. We went home, Jeremy came over and installed our amazing wireless! And now I'm watching the VMA's (so boring) and fashion blogging.

I'm a born and raised Michigan gal located in Grand Rapids. Selective Potential is where I share my personal style, adventures, trips around my home state, and bits about my life. Enjoy and be sure to say hello!